Former Bremerton Public Works Chief Takes Job in Edmonds

He’s supervised public works projects for the cities of Marysville, Spokane and Bremerton.

As the city’s newly hired public works director, Phil Williams says he’s looking forward to his new job and is aware of the financial challenges the city faces.

“I don’t care what city you’re working for,” he said. “I think that’s the biggest challenge: how to keep the level of service people are accustomed to with less resources.”

Williams, 59, began work June 29. He’ll replace Noel Miller, who is retiring after 22 years with the city.

Williams was Bremerton’s public works director for nearly six years. During his tenure, he oversaw an array of construction and utility projects, including the start of extensive improvements to Pacific Avenue and extension of sewers to Gorst.

“I really enjoyed my time there and thought we accomplished a lot,” Williams said.

Haakenson said he spoke to Lent and former Bremerton Mayor Cary Bozeman, now Port of Bremerton executive director, about the firing while evaluating candidates for the job. He said he was satisfied that Williams was well-regarded by staff and elected officials.

“There were no red flags there for us when we did our background checks,” Haakenson said.

Edmonds’ City Council confirmed Williams’ hiring June 22. Council members Diane Buchnis and D.J. Wilson voted no.

Wilson said he had no concerns about Williams. He said hiring a new public works director should have waited until an interim mayor is appointed.

“I don’t think it was the outgoing mayor’s call to make,” Wilson said. “In this case, if we had waited three weeks, we’d be fine. It’s not like potholes were not going to get filled.”

Council President Steve Bernheim voted to confirm Williams.

“Nothing was brought to my attention that would cause me to have any concern whatsoever, or has been,” he said.